Your Holy Places

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Tonight, have you been reflecting upon your holy places? I’ve asked hundreds of young women to share their holy places with me. Whether they are geographic or moments in time, they are equally sacred and have incredible strengthening power. Here are nine of their tender responses:

One: “I was in the hospital, holding my new baby brother.”

Two: “Each time I read my patriarchal blessing, I feel I am known and loved by my Heavenly Father.”

Three: “The day I turned 12, the young women in the ward decorated my door with paper hearts. (Sometimes referred to in the United States as a “heart attack”.) I felt loved, accepted, and happy!”

Four: “As I was reading my scriptures one day, a phrase ‘popped out.’ I had found an answer to my prayers.”

Five: “I walked into a party where people were drinking and participating in other unacceptable activities. The Spirit told me to turn around and go home. I did, and yes, there were social consequences. However, that moment gave me the confidence I needed to know that I could live the gospel.”

Six: “During the sacrament, I was thinking about the Atonement. I recognized I needed to forgive someone I was angry with. My choosing to forgive was a positive action that would bring the Atonement into my daily life.”

Seven: “After attending New Beginnings with my mom, she kissed me on the cheek and told me she loved me. This was the first time I could remember her doing this.”

Eight: “With my bishop’s assurance, I knew that the promise the scriptures provided was true: ‘Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow’ (Isaiah 1:18). I felt hope and knew I could begin my lengthy process of repentance.”

Lastly: “One evening, I summoned the courage to share my feelings about the gospel and the Book of Mormon with my best friend. Later, it was a privilege to attend her baptism. Now we attend church together.”